News for Restaurants in Chicago July 2009 Archive

Read about the openings, closings, chef shuffle, and special events in Chicago here. Gayot's Restaurant News has the information you want on the local restaurants in Chicago.

CHICAGO RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

Sixteen's executive chef Frank Brunacci is handling the eats at recently opened The Terrace at Trump, an adjunct to Sixteen that's already swamped for its superb city views. The offerings, while still plenty expensive, are decidedly more approachable in nature. Look for nautically themed cocktails and a rosé-heavy wine list (at least for summer) to go with the lump crab-topped, house-made gnocchi. The Terrace at Trump, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-588-8030.

Jerry Kleiner is a busy man. In addition to readying for the opening of other ventures, he has opened 33 Club, an Old Town boîte that exudes a private club feel. Grand in appearance with brass coach lights and mahogany ceilings and walls, the menu---from Daniel Kelly (ex-Avenue M, Tramonto's Steak & Seafood)---includes affordable, down-to-earth items like house-made potato chips, a whitefish hoagie and bar snacks like deviled eggs. 33 Club, 1419 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-664-1419.

You'll find comfort in a bowl at the newly opened Bucktown Soup Café, a spot manned by students attending cooking school and offering a changing selection of about nine soups daily. On regular rotation are varieties like gumbo and chicken tortilla, but there will be seasonal choices---like gazpacho---too. Bucktown Soup Café, 1840 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773-904-8364.

Here's a blast from the past: The Claim Company, an iconic spot known for its char-broiled burgers, is rising from the ashes of its '80s and '90s glory. It'll reopen in the old Palm space in Northbrook Court mall early this fall. The Claim Company, Northbrook Court, 2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL 60062, 847-291-9111.

The folks behind Menagerie (remember it?) are back on the scene with soon-to-open The Bad Apple, a fancy-burger place that uses beer in many of its dishes and gets its meat from esteemed butcher Pat LaFrieda. The Bad Apple, 4300 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, 773-360-8406.

Wings O' Flavor offers yet another way to get your fix with tons of flavors, including jerk, honey barbecue and Thai chili clinging to its wings. The good news is its sauces are made in house. Wings O’ Flavor, 3109 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657, 773-697-7032.

News
Bytes

La Donna to Change Concepts Hopleaf's Michael Roper took over La Donna next door and has plans to morph it into a wine-centric spot with a wood-burning grill. Ben Sheagren will oversee the kitchen at both. Meanwhile, La Donna owners Tony and Antonella Barbanente are looking to open a Mexican restaurant in the 6300 block of North Clark in September. La Donna, 5146 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640, 773-561-9400.

New Plans for Wabash Space Jason Paskewitz never did end up opening the much-hyped Jackson Park Bar and Grill at 444 N. Wabash Ave., but the space won't go to waste. The owner of Volare plans to open a steakhouse in its place early next year. Volare, 201 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-410-9900.

Chef Shuffle

Here's a shocker: Freddy Sanchez, the forever exec chef of Adobo Grill, got the boot from both the Wicker Park and Old Town locations after returning from vacation. The sous chefs at both outposts have taken over. Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614, 312-266-7999.

Radhika Desai, who competed on last season's "Top Chef," left to start her own cooking venture. José Victorio has stepped into her shoes at Between Boutique Café & Lounge. Between Boutique Café & Lounge, 1324 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642, 773-292-0585.